Big Lake Chili Cook-off offering $1,000 prize

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Manila Lions Club will sponsor the 21st annual Big Lake Chili Cook-off Saturday offering a $1,000 first prize to the first place chili team. Second place prize will be $500 and third place will receive $300. The cash prizes will be awarded in the adult division only.

Lion members Tracey Reinhart, Andrew Nelms and Tony Crowell look over the schedule for the Big Lake Chili Cook-off.

First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in the junior division.

In addition to awards for the chili, there will be trophies for People's Choice and Showmanship.

Chairman for the event is Lion Tony Crowell. Crowell said 25 adult teams and eight junior teams have signed up so far and there is still time for more.

There will also be games for the children sponsored by the Business Women's Club. As of Monday there have been 40 craft booths.

Entertainment groups are ready to take the bandstand. There are some time slots still available for anyone interested.

The Manila Business Women will be serving breakfast and have their annual fried pie sale.

Anyone wishing to have a booth, be part of the day's entertainment, or have a chili team can contact Crowell at 561-5433, or any Lion member.

"We are looking forward to a great day," Crowell said.

Bowls and a soda will be $5. Those attending will be able to sample the chili from the booths and vote on their favorite.

Bowls will go on sale at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at 1 p.m.

"We have a great organization and we are open to new members," Crowell said.

The Lions Club work toward sight conservation for area residents, sponsor the Christmas Goodfellow baskets each year and meet other community needs.